
The UK offers two primary visa options for individuals seeking to work in religious roles: the T2 Minister of Religion visa and the Temporary Religious Worker visa. Both visas cater to specific needs within faith-based organisations but have distinct requirements and limitations.
T2 Minister of Religion visa
This visa is designed for individuals taking on leading roles within their faith-based organisations, such as priests, imams, rabbis or other ministers. Key aspects include:
- Primarily pastoral duties, including leading congregations, performing rites and rituals, and preaching.
- Applicants must demonstrate proficiency at level B2 across reading, writing, speaking and listening.
- Sponsorship can last up to six years, with eligibility for settlement after five years.
- In-country switching is permitted, and dependant partners and children can apply.
Temporary Religious Worker Visa
This visa is intended for individuals supporting the activities of religious institutions in non-pastoral roles. Key aspects include:
- The duties must not include work which falls under the role of a Minister of Religion (i.e. the core duties must not be that of leading a congregation in performing the rites and rituals of the faith and in preaching the essentials of the creed etc.).
- Employers must ensure that the role is supernumerary and consider the resident labour market before hiring from abroad.
- The visa allows a maximum stay of two years, with no pathway to settlement.
- A 12-month cooling-off period applies for applicants who have previously been in the UK as a religious or charity worker.
- In-country applications are only permitted if you previously had leave under this category.
- Dependant partners and children can apply if eligible.
Both visa routes require a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor in the UK. Applicants must also meet financial requirements to demonstrate they can support themselves in the UK.
While there is no fixed minimum salary under both visa categories, pay and conditions must match those provided to settled workers in the same role and comply with the National Minimum Wage.
By understanding these routes and requirements, religious workers and organisations can ensure a smooth visa application process, paving the way for meaningful contributions to the UK’s faith communities.
Updated: 15 January 2025
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